Seniors get Smart Nation ready with new PA programme

‘Shop and Pay Online’, ‘Transportation at your fingertips’ and ‘Website Creation on Mobile Devices’ are amongst the 25 affordable and quality information and technology-related courses offered through the Seniors for Smart Nation programme at 31 Community Clubs (CCs) island wide

1 “I used to be afraid of using mobile devices because of possible security threats and incurring extra costs as I am unfamiliar with the applications,” said 66 year old Mr Tay Meng Huat, who is now an avid photographer who loves to capture memorable moments in his life using his mobile phone. His newfound interest blossomed after attending his first few IT-related courses like “Mobile Photography” class and “Smartphone 101 for Seniors” provided by the Senior Academy. In fact, Mr Tay is looking forward to attending even more courses to explore new technological innovations.

2 To further help our senior embrace and be prepared for a Smart Nation, the People’s Association (PA) will be launching the ‘Seniors for Smart Nation programme’ at Kolam Ayer Community Club (CC) on Wednesday, 30 March 2016. About 25,000 seniors will be able to sign up for 1,000 Smart Nation classes, which will be made available at 31 CCs island-wide at launch. By the end of 2016, the courses will be rolled out to a total of 50 CCs.

3 The Seniors for Smart Nation programme will offer a holistic curriculum for seniors with an array of 25 exciting and SkillsFuture approved information and technology-related courses. Categorised under four main themes – I-Connect, I-Lifestyle, I-Inno, and I-Office – the courses will cater to the varying needs and interests of the seniors. Courses such as ‘Transportation at your fingertips’ and ‘Shop and Pay Online’ will help seniors to understand and use essential apps, and to perform online transactions respectively. For emerging seniors who are keen to start their own businesses might find courses like “Create Your Own Web Blogshops” and “Website Creation on Mobile Devices” userful in marketing their business online.

4 Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-incharge of Cyber Security and Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, shared that, “Through this concerted effort, we seek to enable more seniors to do things they never imagine they could do, in making their daily lives more convenient through technology. More importantly, to empower communities to look out for and help one another. The possibilities are endless and I am confident that together, we can build a better future for all.”

5 Mr Ang Hak Seng, BBM, Chief Executive Director of PA said, “Our courses are designed with the learning needs of our seniors in mind. One example includes the I-Connect courses that help seniors remain socially active via digital means. By learning social media tools like Skype and Facebook, they are now able to stay connected with friends and more importantly, maintain close ties with their family members, especially those who are overseas.”

1. The People’s Association (PA) has initiated the ‘Seniors for Smart Nation’ programme under ‘Senior Academy’ with its key mission to encourage more seniors, 50 years old and above, to upgrade their skills in information and technology-related aspect, pursue lifelong learning aspirations and enhance quality of their lives by providing accessible and affordable senior-friendly curriculum/programme.

2. By 2016, Seniors in Smart Nation programme will be made available in 50 CCs. As at 30 March 2016, 31 Community Clubs (CCs) will be the first to offer these senior friendly programme: CDD Participating CCs

3. For a start, Seniors for Smart Nation will offer courses based on 4 themes, namely

a) I-Connect Get a quick start to learning social media tools such as Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with your family and friends. Learn to share pictures and videos without compromising your privacy and learn lingo used such as group chats, likes, comments and hashtags.

b) I-Inno
Go beyond your smartphones and tablets and be exposed to advanced
technologies which may change the way we live or work in the near future!
Experience the latest trends in online communications and hi-tech leisure
hobbies and wow your family and friends with your new found knowledge!
c) I-Office
Be enabled by learning the latest iOS/Andriod suite on smartphone and
tablets and improve your productivity while on-the-go! Learn how to
execute common tasks in Word®, Excel® and create simple yet creative
PowerPoint® presentations at your fingertips!
d) I-Lifestyle
Interested to use technology to pursue your hobbies or personal interests?
Learn how smartphone/tablet applications can help you pursue your
interests or even set-up an online business!

4. As part of Senior Academy initiative, PA will be subsidising the course fees
heavily for Singaporeans/PRs for the programmes under the Senior
Academy. For example:
i) Participants can select a course of their interest and pay $10
(PAssion Card member) or $20 (Non-PAssion Card member). The
average actual course fee for the various electives is about $35.
For participant aged below 50 years, they will pay $20 (PAssion
Card member) or $30 (Non-Passion Card member).

5. In addition to encouraging more seniors to stay relevant and be socially
connected via technology, Seniors for Smart Nation aims to bridge digital
divide between generations, inculcate community spirit and active citizenry
in every participant. By attending these courses, participants would pick
up useful information and technology-related knowledge, and at the same
time expand their social circles and contribute actively to the community.

6. Seniors for Smart Nation empowers seniors with the ability to enhance
their quality of life by making it more convenient and sustainable, at the
same time preparing seniors to be Smart Nation ready.